BRADLEY SMOKER | "Taste the Great Outdoors"

Recipe Discussions => Meat => Topic started by: FLBentRider on April 06, 2010, 09:00:25 AM

Title: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: FLBentRider on April 06, 2010, 09:00:25 AM
I'm going to buy a brisket flat, cut it in half.

One half will get a rub and the 24 hour wrap spa treatment.

The other half will get the rub 30 minutes before going in the smoker.

I will have my family do a taste test.

stay tuned.
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: oakville smoker on April 06, 2010, 09:09:00 AM
Drum roll please .......................
This should be interesting.  I am really interested in the result
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: OU812 on April 06, 2010, 09:30:09 AM
I have been doin the rub, salt pepper garlic and onion powder, then smoke for years with the brisket.

I dont think the rub gets any deeper in the meat 24 hr before than it does 30 min before the smoke.

I will be waitin for the results of your experiment.
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: Tenpoint5 on April 06, 2010, 09:40:20 AM
Should be interesting
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: ArnieM on April 06, 2010, 10:51:25 AM
I hope we all haven't been taking up valuable fridge space for nothing  ;)  Looking forward to the results.
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: KyNola on April 06, 2010, 11:34:32 AM
I'll wager there will be no significant taste in the two.

Thanks for doing this FLBR.
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: FLBentRider on April 06, 2010, 11:43:52 AM
Do y'all think it would make a difference depending on the content of the rub?

A rub with salt in it is going to bring moisture to the meat surface, thereby sort of self-brining.

most rubs have salt. I usually do just salt and pepper on brisket, I may try the renowned Mr Brown or something similar.
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: Ka Honu on April 06, 2010, 12:32:41 PM
Quote from: FLBentRider on April 06, 2010, 11:43:52 AMDo y'all think it would make a difference depending on the content of the rub?

A rub with salt in it is going to bring moisture to the meat surface, thereby sort of self-brining.

Pretty much the way I was thinking but not sure how much penetration you actually get.  Looking forward to Mr. Science's report.
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: squirtthecat on April 06, 2010, 12:34:04 PM

Same here...

For grins, weigh them before/after and see if there is any additional moisture loss.
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: OU812 on April 06, 2010, 12:39:26 PM
I was just thinkin ::)you think you should cut the brisket in half length ways?

That way you would have a more level play ground, both would have a thin end and a thick end.
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: FLBentRider on April 06, 2010, 01:04:56 PM
Quote from: OU812 on April 06, 2010, 12:39:26 PM
I was just thinkin ::)you think you should cut the brisket in half length ways?

That way you would have a more level play ground, both would have a thin end and a thick end.

I thought about that too.
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: Wildcat on April 06, 2010, 05:38:56 PM
Quote from: FLBentRider on April 06, 2010, 11:43:52 AM
Do y'all think it would make a difference depending on the content of the rub?

I am by no means an expert in this department, but I would think that the content of the rub will make a difference with longer time. I suspect that there would be little, if any, change after about 3 hours. I marinate steaks before grilling and use Worcestershire Sauce as part of the marinade. There tends to be a bit of a difference in 30 minutes and 3 hours. If I just salt and pepper, I have not noticed any difference. But then again, I normally poke a lot of holes in the steaks to help distribute rub or marinade..

With the smoker, I generally just apply a rub just before smoking.

I am looking forward to your results.
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: HawkeyeSmokes on April 06, 2010, 07:12:43 PM
Looking forward to the results to.

I've done both ways and so far, can't tell a difference.

A controlled test like this would be nice.

Thanks FLBR!
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: sweetwaterspice on April 09, 2010, 11:13:23 AM
Quote from: FLBentRider on April 06, 2010, 11:43:52 AM
Do y'all think it would make a difference depending on the content of the rub?

A rub with salt in it is going to bring moisture to the meat surface, thereby sort of self-brining.

most rubs have salt. I usually do just salt and pepper on brisket, I may try the renowned Mr Brown or something similar.


The amount of salt in a rub shouldn't be able to have enough of a brining effect to impact the whole cut of meat but may impact the surface.  The catch is that when brining you pull water out of the meat to denature the proteins but there is a net gain in moisture because those proteins then hold on to the free floating water molecules.  A rub will have draw some water out, but not enough to get the desired effect of the net gain in moisture when done cooking.

Tasty looking rub nonetheless.
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: ronbeaux on April 09, 2010, 12:46:19 PM
I'm tuned in.
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: FLBentRider on April 09, 2010, 02:37:11 PM
I picked up an eight pound brisket at Sams.

After supper and Birthday cake Dr. FLBentRider will commence his experiments!
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: Sailor on April 09, 2010, 03:22:49 PM
May the smoke be with you!  LOL

Can't wait to see the results of the experiment.
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: FLBentRider on April 09, 2010, 06:18:26 PM
Eight pounder:
(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk7/flbentrider/bradley/IMGP0671Medium.jpg)
(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk7/flbentrider/bradley/IMGP0673Medium.jpg)
(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk7/flbentrider/bradley/IMGP0674Medium.jpg)

Sliced:
(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk7/flbentrider/bradley/IMGP0675Medium.jpg)
WTS Rub:
(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk7/flbentrider/bradley/IMGP0670Medium.jpg)

One half rubbed and wrapped, the other just wrapped:
(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk7/flbentrider/bradley/IMGP0676Medium.jpg)
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: classicrockgriller on April 09, 2010, 06:24:51 PM
Let The Games Begin!
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: pensrock on April 09, 2010, 06:49:11 PM
Which half is mine?  ;) :)
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: FLBentRider on April 10, 2010, 06:07:54 PM
Quote from: pensrock on April 09, 2010, 06:49:11 PM
Which half is mine?  ;) :)

The one in the middle.  ;D
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: FLBentRider on April 10, 2010, 06:11:26 PM
The 24 hour half:
(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk7/flbentrider/bradley/IMGP0679Large.jpg)
(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk7/flbentrider/bradley/IMGP0680Large.jpg)

The other half
(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk7/flbentrider/bradley/IMGP0681Large.jpg)
(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk7/flbentrider/bradley/IMGP0682Large.jpg)

They are in the smoker with four hours of Oak @205F
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: ronbeaux on April 11, 2010, 04:57:28 AM
Gonna be good either way!
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: Sailor on April 11, 2010, 09:29:31 AM
I really like the color on the 24 hr 1/2
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: ArnieM on April 11, 2010, 12:53:18 PM
C'mon, c'mon.  They must be done by now  ;D
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: FLBentRider on April 11, 2010, 01:20:36 PM
IT is 188F - Holding out for 190F.
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: FLBentRider on April 11, 2010, 02:10:24 PM
190F is here. Dog standing guard
(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk7/flbentrider/bradley/IMGP0684Large.jpg)

(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk7/flbentrider/bradley/IMGP0683Large.jpg)

(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk7/flbentrider/bradley/IMGP0685Large.jpg)

(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk7/flbentrider/bradley/IMGP0686Large.jpg)
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: Tenpoint5 on April 11, 2010, 02:16:29 PM
FLB should we tell them now that they have to wait for the results until the next newsletter comes out?
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: FLBentRider on April 11, 2010, 02:27:50 PM
Let's make 'em wait for the results of the taste test.
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: KevinG on April 11, 2010, 02:43:09 PM
Just what I need, another soap opera.
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: FLBentRider on April 11, 2010, 04:01:31 PM
1st half
(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk7/flbentrider/bradley/IMGP0687Large.jpg)
(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk7/flbentrider/bradley/IMGP0688Large.jpg)

2nd half
(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk7/flbentrider/bradley/IMGP0689Large.jpg)
(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk7/flbentrider/bradley/IMGP0691Large.jpg)

Comparison:
(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk7/flbentrider/bradley/IMGP0694Large.jpg)
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: ronbeaux on April 11, 2010, 04:19:06 PM
They look great! Taste???
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: ArnieM on April 11, 2010, 04:23:11 PM
I'm with Ron here - taste  ??? ??? ???

Maybe you could FEDEX up some samples?  I'm always willing to help out with a worthy cause  ;)
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: FLBentRider on April 11, 2010, 04:25:10 PM
Taste as great.

The WTS rub is a winner.
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: Wildcat on April 11, 2010, 06:18:52 PM
Mighty fine looking brisket. Now - about the comparison?
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: SnellySmokesEm on April 12, 2010, 06:32:32 AM
Brisket looks good.  Thanks for playing with your food so the rest of us can benefit.  I always wondered if I could buy an untrimmed flat, spilt it and freeze one half and smoke the other if I m cooking for a small crowd.  So which one was better???
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: OU812 on April 12, 2010, 07:16:00 AM
Good lookin brisket FLB.

Sounds like were goin to have to wait a couple more weeks to here the results from the taste test.

And I was bitchin $2.79/lb was too high.
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: Caneyscud on April 12, 2010, 07:29:20 AM
Yowzers - Does that ever look good!


meus ventus
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: FLBentRider on April 12, 2010, 11:25:39 AM
Ok - So I thought about it and considered that waiting for the newsletter would be cruel and unusual.

So here we go.

By no means was this a scientific test, done by professional taste testers. Better than that! I used my family....  ;D

I did the slicing, and presented each person with two slices of brisket, one from each half.

My 18YO looked at the plate and immediately piled on more from one of the platters.  >:( _ relocated the extra brisket until the taste test was done.

They were instructed to taste each piece and tell me the following:

1. Can you tell a difference between the pieces?

2. Which one do you like better?

The results were suprising.




It was unanimous.

The test subjects included:

Mrs. FLBentRider
Mother FLBentRider
DS and two DDs

ok enough stalling....

EVERYONE liked the 24 hour one better!



They all stated that the brisket and especially the bark had MORE flavor.

So there you have it. This justifies the effort and the space in the fridge, at least to me.

FWIW, I took some to work today for lunch and shared. They made the same observation. I presented it like this: can you tell the difference between these 2 pieces of brisket?
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: Tenpoint5 on April 12, 2010, 11:28:22 AM
Sounds good enough to me!! Will continue to do the 24 hour thing around here when possible.
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: ArnieM on April 12, 2010, 11:28:35 AM
Thanks for the update FLBR.  Now I can pee again  ;D ;D

Interesting to hear the results and thanks for your time and effort.
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: KevinG on April 12, 2010, 11:33:22 AM
Now that's not right, they should've been blindfolded and have a third entry of a piece of onion.
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: SnellySmokesEm on April 12, 2010, 11:34:29 AM
Thanks FLB for not making us wait and thanks for experimenting.  I am personally glad to hear the 24 hour method tasted better.  Good Job!
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: OU812 on April 12, 2010, 11:51:53 AM
Well what do ya know, must be the rub.

I did this a few years ago and no one (brother, son, and some of there friends) could taste the difference, but I just use a light coating of salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder.

Next time I use a rub I will be doin the 24 hr thing.

Thanks for not makin us wait and your time to get this done.
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: FLBentRider on April 12, 2010, 12:00:37 PM
We were a Salt Pepper Garlic crew too, and to tell you the truth I'm not sure those would make that much of a difference.

Everyone said they liked the rub, especially the Mrs.

Try the WTS rub.

I will state that the recipe as written on the recipe site is enough for 2 briskets.
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: OU812 on April 12, 2010, 12:36:20 PM
Well if the Mrs. liked it, it must be good.  :D

I'll go over to the recipe site to see if I can find the WTS rub and give it a go on my next brisket.

Its been a wile sense I've had a rub on a brisket.
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: Wildcat on April 12, 2010, 05:07:59 PM
Thanks for doing the test and posting the results FL. Very useful indeed.  ;)
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: smokeNcanuck on April 12, 2010, 05:49:25 PM
That's a job well done thanks FLB ;)
I often wondered if the 24H soak made a difference, I guess now I know.
Oh and by the way they both looked FANTASTIC, wish I was on your taste test crew!
Title: Re: Brisket rubdown experiment
Post by: Pachanga on April 12, 2010, 06:35:06 PM
FlBentRider,

Very interesting.  Thanks for the effort and post.

Good luck and slow smoking,

Pachanga